Any motorbike enthusiast knows that the Indian Motorcycle is a direct competitor of Harley-Davidson in the USA. At the same time, not many people realize that the roots of the entire U.S. motorcycle industry go back to the Indian brand. This label was a trendsetter as the first motorcycle manufacturer in American history. It’s also stated that the company’s engineers designed the first bike ever. With AutoBidMaster, let’s reveal how the Indian Motorcycle brand has become so special.
First Steps Toward Success
Indian motorcycle used as an ambulance during World War I. Source: flickr.com
The first motorcycle manufacturer in the United States began production more than 100 years ago, in 1901. It’s linked with the founding of the Indian company in Springfield, Massachusetts.
A few years earlier, in 1897, a famous cyclist named George M. Hendee created a small bicycle construction workshop named the “Hendee Manufacturing Company.” His companion was an engineer, Karl Oskar Hedstrom. Their friendship began at a bicycle race, and they decided to start a joint production of motorcycles.
In 1898, the founders decided to change the company’s name to “American Indian,” which quickly became simply “Indian.” It was implemented to improve brand recognition in export markets.
The first motorcycle manufactured by Indian looked completely like a bicycle. However, the company’s specialists implemented a chain drive to the rear wheel that was moved by a simple 1.75-liter engine with just one cylinder inside. It enabled the development of a motorcycle speed that was impressive for the time. In 1903, the first launched bike configuration, the Indian Single, set an acceleration record of 56 mph (ca. 90 km/h).
Customers received the opportunity to buy the first Indian motorcycles in 1902, and the company manufactured about 500 units in the early years. A few years later, the firm’s trademark red color appeared on all the bikes.
Despite all the challenges Indian Motorcycle faced, sales grew rapidly. The improvement of existing copies wasn’t long in coming. In 1905, Indian produced a racing version of a motorcycle with a 1-liter modernized engine. It was a powerful step to enter the professional bike market.
Bike Models Improvement and Bankruptcy
The 1926 Indian Scout motorcycle model. Source: Depositphotos
The production level and sales of the enterprise increased rapidly every year. It was obtained by implementing innovative motorcycle parts that increased performance parameters.
For example, the Indian motorcycle received an improved engine with better capacity and a steel cylinder head that allowed it to produce more power. As a result, a completely new motorcycle model with a two-cylinder engine was released in 1907.
If we speak about sales volume, the more popular the Indian company became, the more clients it received. For example, after the new Indian motorcycle model took first place in the 1911 Maine bike race, more than 15,000 vehicles were sold. Two years later, the sale volumes reached 70,000 units.
The most successful period for the Indian Motorcycle enterprise came in the 1910s and 1920s. That’s when the best-selling Indian Scout and Indian Chief vehicle models were launched. Along with the regular customer base, the company continued to step into the professional race bike market.
During the two World Wars, Indian switched its manufacturing to military equipment. During this time, Harley-Davidson gained market share and modernized its bike production to a high level. Unfortunately, it led to the Indian company bankruptcy in 1953.
All the attempts to rebirth the company weren’t successful until the Polaris Industries corporation bought the Indian brand in 2011. The Chief Vintage vehicle model contributed greatly to its recovery as the best-selling bike configuration over the last 60 years. Thus, the company made a great comeback.
Burt Munro’s Historical Record
Burt Munro with his modified 1920 Indian Scout bike. Source: flickr.com
August 26, 1967, is a special day in Indian history. On that day, New Zealand motorcycle racer Burt Munro set a world speed record of 184 mph (ca. 296 km/h) on the Indian Scout motorcycle. Interestingly, he was 68 years old.
Burt had been upgrading his 1920 Indian Scout bike, which was more than a friend to him, for almost 40 years. He was racing regularly and had set a dozen records at various levels.
The key point is that Burt Munro’s record, set on his 47-year-old Indian Scout, hasn’t been broken to this day!
Indian Motorcycle Details That Became Legendary
To stand out in a market, any vehicle manufacturer should work on its design and develop a unique style. It helps potential clients to outline an enterprise among other offers.
When it comes to Indian motorcycles, they have the following elements and features you won’t confuse with other bike producers:
V-Twin
Starting from the beginning, the Indian Motorcycle engineers found the best solution for a power plant in a condition of the limited space to install it. It’s the most compact and practical way to install more powerful bike motors. That’s why the specialists designed unique V-shaped engines for Indian motorcycles exclusively.
From the first time the company decided to implement the V-Twin engine configuration on its motorcycles in 1907, the solution became linked tightly to the Indian as a unique feature. The brand made successful use of it.
“War Bonnet”
The motorcycle design from Indian aligned with the good and old American cultural traditions, so you can pick up the proper brand associations effortlessly. One of the main elements that helps with this is definitely the “war bonnet” bike side lights. They have the shape of a Native American Indian’s head with eagle feathers. People state that it’s the brand face that has been used on the front fender of motorcycles since 1947.
Motorcycle Fenders
Specialists designed this element in such a way that it covers half of the wheel. These customized bike fenders have been used since the 1940s. You can also find them on the most popular Indian cruise and touring models today. Such a design solution allowed to highlight the aggressive and powerful motorcycle character.
Indian Red
As we mentioned above, this red paint color has become part of the firm style. It stands at the origin of this legendary bike manufacturer. This paint was used for more than 50 years of the company’s history, and absolutely all the motorcycles were designed with this basic shade. The red Indian eye-catching and noble color is associated with retro style and attracts attention of the classic motorcycle collectors who hunt rare vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When was Indian Motorcycle founded?
Indian Motorcycle was created in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Oscar Hedstrom. This brand originates from Springfield, Massachusetts. It was originally named the Hendee Manufacturing Company but then was later renamed to Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company in 1923.
What is worth noting is the fact that Indian was the first American motorcycle manufacturer. This company rose to fame very quickly. Mainly because of its innovative designs and clever engineering.
The success of this company was driven by racing victories and the popularity of iconic models such as the Scout and the Chief. Although the brand had many financial struggles, it still exists and creates some solid motorcycles.
Who makes Indian motorcycles?
Today, Indian is a brand that is owned by Polaris Industries. Polaris is a brand that is well known for manufacturing a variety of different products, including motorcycles, ATVs, and snowmobiles.
Polaris purchased the Indian brand in 2011 and relocated the production to Spirit Lake, Iowa. This was a turning point in the history of the Indian brand because Polaris revived this brand. They created some cool designs and started to implement the latest technologies.
Although the modern Indian is not what it was before, it still carries the same DNA. Polaris invested heavily into this brand and released several new models that re-established Indian as one of the best motorcycle makers in America.
Are Indian Motorcycles good?
Indian Motorcycles are highly regarded for their quality, performance, and distinctive design. A thing that enthusiasts love about Indian motorcycle models is the fact that these bikes offer powerful powertrains, smooth handling, and a very comfortable ride.
Modern Indian motorcycles are made by Polaris Industries and since Polaris is the greatest brand in the US, they try to include the latest and greatest tech into these bikes.
This means that these bikes not only look good and drive well, but they are also extremely reliable. All this created a true following for this brand. Modern Indian motorcycles are on par with Harley Davidson in all aspects.
Why Indian Motorcycle named Indian?
This name was chosen by the founders of Indian with the goal to evoke a sense of American heritage. Indigenous Indians are part of American history, so the founders wanted to pay homage to the Indian heritage. The name also invokes a feeling of speed and freedom. Something that is very close to motorcycles. And their choice of a name was great because it managed to create a whole legacy in the motorcycle industry.
Which are the most popular Indian Motorcycles?
Some of the most popular models that Indian sold include the Scout, Chief, Chieftain, and the Roadmaster.
The Scout is one of the perfect entry-level models that you can get, with great looks, lightweight design, powerful engine, and great agility. Making it the top choice for new as well as for experienced riders.
The Chief on the other hand is a more robust model. This model implements classic styling and more performance. The Chief is the model you want to get if you are a more experienced rider.
The Roadmaster and Chieftain are also good touring bikes. They offer some of the most advanced features, comfort, and storage for long-distance trips.
Indian Motorcycle sales, how well do they sell?
Indian Motorcycle sells pretty decently, especially since Polaris Industries revitalized the brand in 2011. This company moved the production to Iowa and added some new designs and technologies. These days there is a whole lineup of Indian motorcycles that appeal to a wide range of drivers.
When it comes to sales figures, Indian manages to sell about 30,000 units on a global scale, which is a decent number. But a far cry from the competition. Although it might not compete with the Harley Davidson, the Indian is still an excellent choice. A brand that has great heritage and modern technologies. This is how Indian Motorcycle is able to retain the current customers and get new costumes.
Where can I get used Indian motorcycles?
Used Indian motorcycles can be found in many different places across the country. There are dealerships that work with Indian and have a whole lineup of used Indian motorcycles, you can also find these bikes online at eBay or Craigslist.
Or if you want to rebuild one, you can find these models for a cheap price on AutoBidMaster. There are models for sale across the country. You will fix it and then enjoy the bike as it should be enjoyed. This can be a more time consuming approach but it is definitely worth it.
In the End
When choosing a vehicle, including a motorcycle, it’s useful to learn the key statements from the brand’s history. It helps to understand which particular features make a car or bike special.
The same is true for Indian Motorcyle. This brand is credited with the birth of the motorcycle as a phenomenon. Despite its ups and downs, today it’s the most recognized American bike with an authentic spirit of adrenaline and solidity. By the way, AutoBidMaster has some used Indian motorcycles in its inventory to bid on. If you love speed and freedom, don’t hesitate to take a look at them and get one.
To get your Indian motorcycle with minor damage, AutoBidMaster encourages you to register on our online auction platform, upload a copy of your government-issued ID or passport, place a security deposit, and then you can bid! It’s also possible to contact us in case of any questions and specific requests or call us at: +1 (503) 298-4300 (4:00 AM–4:00 PM PST, weekdays).
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